Security and Safety

Metrolink evaluating railcar safety after February crash

LOS ANGELES — Metrolink is evaluating the safety of its crash-resistant Hyundai Rotem railcars by removing them from the front of trains in the wake of a deadly Southern California derailment, AP reported.

The railcars have features designed to reduce deaths and injuries, such as energy-absorbing crush zones. Metrolink had said those features reduced the carnage in February when one of its trains struck a pickup truck that mistakenly drove onto the tracks near Oxnard. The crash killed the engineer and injured 27 passengers. However, the railroad's review of the accident turned up a possible issue with the cab car. For the full story, click here.

Since January 1970, there have been 37 vehicle attacks on public surface transportation, according to the Mineta Transportation Institute. Just under half, a total of 18, involved suicide drivers ramming vehicles packed with explosives into their targets.

Since January 1970, there have been 37 vehicle attacks on public surface transportation. Just under half, a total of 18, involved suicide drivers ramming vehicles packed with explosives into their targets, according to a new report.

The installations will include Protran’s Enhanced Employee Protection System, the first of its kind in the railway safety industry to incorporate three-way communication among track workers, train operators, and dispatchers in the central office.